Operations in all Metro train lines suspended due to magnitude 6.1 quake

Updated (7:39 p.m.)

MANILA, Philippines — The management of all train stations suspended its operations Monday afternoon following the strong quake that hit the Metro Manila and other parts of Luzon.

Lawyer Hernando Cabrera, LRT-2 spokesperson, said that all stations were closed pending inspection of possible damage due to the quake.

READ: Magnitude 6.1 earthquake shakes parts of Luzon

“LRT-2 suspends train operations at around 5:18 PM, all stations are closed for passenger entry, pending inspection and assessment of all facilities and systems due to the strong earthquake,” Cabrera said in a tweet.

LRT2 suspends train operations at around 5:18 PM, all stations are closed for passenger entry, pending inspection and assessment of all facilities and systems due to strong earthquake.

— Hernando T. Cabrera (@attycabs) April 22, 2019

In a separate tweet, he said the operations of LRT-2 would no longer resume for the day.

“For the safety of everyone, a more thorough inspection shall be conducted to ensure the integrity of LRT2 structures and systems. LRT2 will resume operations tomorrow at 4:30 in the morning,” he said.

LRT2 will no longer resume operations tonight. For the safety of everyone, a more thorough inspection shall be conducted to ensure the integrity of LRT2 structures and systems. LRT2 will resume operations tomorrow at 4:30 in the morning.

— Hernando T. Cabrera (@attycabs) April 22, 2019

The Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT-3) also suspended operations to assess the status of its structures.

“We want to ensure the integrity of our structures post-quake before allowing public use,” the management said.

Meanwhile, LRT-1 said that it would temporarily suspend its operations for the whole line.

LRT-1 Corporate Communications head Rochelle Gamboa urged both train drivers and train passengers to remain vigilant for possible aftershocks.

Gamboa told INQUIRER.net in a phone interview all trains that were on the tracks either slowed down or stopped during the earthquake.

Philippine National Railways (PNR) General Manager Junn Magno also announced that there would be no trips available in its line due to the quake.

Transport Secretary Arthur Tugade urged the public not to risk their safety in commuting back home.

“Better to be safe than sorry. Siguraduhin na ligtas sakyan ang buong linya bago natin patakbuhin ulit (Make sure that the railway lines are safe before resuming operations),” he said.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has already dispatched buses offering free rides to assist commuters affected by the suspension of the train trips. /ee